Chambers accepting nominations for 2018 Shelby County ‘Small Business of the Year’

280 Animal Medical Center recieved the Category 3 Small Business of the Year award.

Nominations for the 2018 Small Business of the Year are now being accepted. This year, the Greater Shelby County, Montevallo and South Shelby chambers will co-host the sixth annual “Small Business Celebration” in May.

The 2018 program will recognize all companies nominated in one of five categories, based on number of employees.

The categories are:

Category I: 1-5 employees, open for one year or more

Category II: 6-10 employees, open for one year or more

Category III: 11-20 employees, open for one year or more

Category IV: 21+ employees, open for one year or more

Category V: Less than 25 employees, open for less than one year

“Any Shelby County business fitting the criteria in one of the five categories is eligible to be nominated,” said Keyla Handley, acting director with the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.

Nominated businesses will be evaluated on several qualities, including staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales, response to adversity and evidence of involvement or aiding of community-oriented projects, according to a press release.

“We look forward to spotlighting the vital role which small businesses play in building our communities and economy overall,” said Montevallo Chamber Executive Director Steve Gilbert.